Hacker News with Generative AI: Lightning

Getting hit by lightning is good for some tropical trees (caryinstitute.org)
Getting zapped with millions of volts of electricity may not sound like a healthy activity, but for some trees, it is. A new study, published in New Phytologist, reports that some tropical tree species are not only able to tolerate lightning strikes, but benefit from them. The trees may have even evolved to act as lightning rods.
Science, Nature, Tropical Trees, Lightning
141 points by sohkamyung 5 days ago | 64 comments
Unveiling the mysterious 'red sprite' lightning strikes over the Himalayas (phys.org)
Have you ever heard of—or even seen—red lightning? These are not animated characters but real atmospheric phenomena known as electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorms. Scientists refer to them as "red sprites," named for their jellyfish-like appearance and vivid red flashes. Now, imagine witnessing these mesmerizing displays over the world's highest mountain range—the Himalayas.
Weather, Science, Natural Phenomena, Lightning
46 points by wglb 9 days ago | 6 comments
The British Navy Resisted a Decent Lightning Rod for Decades (ieee.org)
In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin helped elucidate the nature of lightning and endorsed the protective value of lightning rods. And yet, a hundred years later, much of the public remained unconvinced. As a result, lightning continued to strike church steeples, ship masts, and other tall structures, causing severe damage.
History, Science, Lightning, Ships
57 points by sohkamyung 30 days ago | 32 comments
The British Navy Resisted a Decent Lightning Rod for Decades (ieee.org)
In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin helped elucidate the nature of lightning and endorsed the protective value of lightning rods. And yet, a hundred years later, much of the public remained unconvinced. As a result, lightning continued to strike church steeples, ship masts, and other tall structures, causing severe damage.
History, Science, Lightning, Technology
17 points by Brajeshwar 31 days ago | 0 comments
Blitzortung – real time lightning strikes around the world (blitzortung.org)
Weather, Real-Time Data, Mapping, Technology, Lightning
332 points by thunderbong 218 days ago | 134 comments
Everything Hikers Know About Lightning Safety Is Wrong (backpacker.com)
Hiking, Safety, Lightning, Misconceptions
20 points by Stratoscope 345 days ago | 7 comments